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Papua New Guinea

West Papua (Wewak to Darwin), 13 nights

Overview

Itinerary

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Our voyage through West Papua, discovering the unique regions of the Spice Islands and Raja Ampat is an expedition like no other. Swim, snorkel and dive through crystal-clear waters, exploring colourful coral gardens and encountering a vast array of marine wildlife. We spend five days exploring the marine haven of Raja Ampat, sailing through a maze of limestone karst islands and showcasing the beautiful landscapes of this region.

Join us aboard the Coral Adventurer over 13 exciting nights for the second portion of the New Guinea Circle cruise from Wewak to Darwin. Throughout this expedition, you will discover the very best West Papua has to offer, from the lush rainforest environments to the world’s most colourful coral reef systems, and welcoming villages where you will encounter another way of life.

Expedition Highlights:

> Visit Lake Sentani, home to villagers famed for their distinctive art
> Spend five full days exploring the nature lover’s paradise that is Raja Ampat
> Paddle a kayak through the stunning surround of the Mesempta Channel
> Take in the breathtaking views of the Wayag lagoon from Mount Pindito lookout
> Take in the aromas, colours and characters of the Spice Islands

Related Information

the itinerary

Embark: Board at Wewak at 4:00pmDisembark: Arrive and disembark at Darwin’s Fort Hill Wharf at 08:30am.

Day 1: Wewak

We welcomed on board Coral Adventurer in Wewak at 4pm. Relax on board as you get to know your fellow passengers. Watch the magnificent coastline pass by as you enjoy sunset drinks before your first of many delicious dinners.

Day 2: Jayapura

Overnight we cross into West Papua waters ahead of our arrival in Jayapura, formerly known as ‘Hollandia’ during World War II and now a melting pot of sights and smells. Visit Lake Sentani, home to villagers famed for their distinctive art and cruise on a longboat to see the stilt towns built over the tranquil lake. Be welcomed at Asei Village by the local dancers and their accompanying traditional instruments.

Day 3: Mioswundi

Awake this morning to the peaceful Island of Mioswundi. Meet the local families in their traditional village to learn about their remote lifestyle and enjoy a refreshing swim in the tropical waters.

Day 4: At Sea

Spend a day at sea and join the Expedition Team in the Lounge for an informative introduction to Raja Ampat. Learn about the many wonderful experiences we will undertake over the coming days exploring the archipelago of the ‘Four Kings’.

Day 5: Wayag

Cross the equator today into the northern hemisphere as we make our way towards stunning Wayag Island. Experience the breathtaking views as we enter Wayag lagoon, then explore the magical maze of limestone karst ‘gumdrop’ islands aboard the Xplorer and zodiacs. After lunch enjoy water activities on the nearby beach or for the very fit climb to the top of Mt. Pindito for the panoramic view.

Day 6: Kawe Island, Aljui Bay & Penemu

Enjoy an early morning visit the monument to the equator at Kawe Island, if tides allow we will step ashore. We make our way into beautiful Aljui Bay on Waigeo Island for a morning of snorkelling or diving on one of the finest reef sites in the archipelago. Enjoy a cruise in this spectacular channel in the Zodiacs, and in the afternoon we visit Penemu in the Fam Island group. Climb the 320 steps to the lagoon lookout for great views and afterwards snorkel in the lagoon.

Day 7: Hidden Bay

Awake in remote Hidden Bay. Cruise through the scenic Wallace passage aboard the Xplorer and zodiacs. There is ample time to kayak, enjoy glass bottom boat tours, snorkel and SCUBA dive.

Day 8: Yensawai Village and Yenwaoupnor Village

Board Xplorer and cruise into the village of Yensawai on the Island of Batanta. Be greeted by the local people who will guide you through their village and visit the primary school to see the children in full song. Visit the local market on the water front and board zodiacs for a cruise through the mangroves, before enjoying a short walk to the waterfall. Visit Gam Island and the village of Yenwaoupnor to be welcomed with cultural entertainment and sample food cooked traditionally in the underground oven.

Day 9: Yenwaoupnor Village and Mesempta

For the fit and able there is an early 0530 start on a steep hike in search of the elusive Red Bird of Paradise hidden in the trees. Enter through the stunning channel leading to our late afternoon anchorage and finish the day with our famous BBQ on the sundeck overlooking beautiful Mesempta.

Day 11: Banda and Spice Islands

Today we explore the centre of the Spice Islands, where the world’s supply of nutmeg and mace has been traded for over 2000 years. See Gunung Api volcano and Banda’s famous Kora Kora canoes in action. At Banda town our guides will introduce us to the sights and smells of this historic area. We wander past the remnants of mansions constructed during Dutch colonialism on a town tour and visit historic buildings before visiting the markets. Refresh onboard before joining the locals for a traditional dance and music performance while enjoying a glass of champagne on top of Fort Belgica.

Day 12: The Spice Islands

An early morning option to snorkel or dive over the unique submerged lava flow. For those wishing a leisurely morning, return to Banda and enjoy the traditions of a bygone era with cinnamon tea and local delicacies at the waterfront hotel before we farewell the Spice Islands and set sail towards Darwin.

Day 13: Crossing the Timor Sea

Spend the day at leisure enjoying the on board facilities as we cross the Timor Sea and join our Expedition Team in the ship’s lounge for a recap of the expedition. Reminisce with your new found friends at the Captain’s Farewell Drinks.

Day 14: Arrive Darwin

This morning at 8:30am we arrive at Darwin’s Fort Hill wharf, marking the end of our great adventure discovering West Papua and the Spice Islands.

This itinerary is an indication of the destinations we visit and activities on offer. Throughout the expedition, we may make changes to the itinerary as necessary to maximise your expeditionary experience. Allowances may be made for seasonal variations, weather, tidal conditions and any other event that may affect the operation of the vessel. The itinerary includes the possibility of interaction with wild animals and this interaction is subject to the presence of this wildlife on the day.

Services of expedition staff and lecturers including briefings and knowledge-sharing sessions

Port taxes and government charges imposed by government authorities

Your cruise price does not include:

Pre and post flights, transfers and hotels

Entry visas/travel permits

Travel Insurance

Items of a personal nature including but not limited to phone and internet communications and bar charges (outside of the included drinks package as highlighted), laundry charges and souvenir purchases

Tipping not required:

Other cruise lines automatically add gratuities to your account and service charges to your bar invoices. On Coral Adventurer, our crew has no other agenda than your delight.

Now that you’ve chosen your cruise, our reservations specialists are on hand to assist with all of your booking arrangements.

To speak to our reservations specialists contact us during business hours on freecall 1800 079 545 (within Australia), or email cruise@coralexpeditions.com.

Don’t forget, we strongly recommend the purchase of Travel Insurance with any cruise purchase. See below for further details.

Recommended Darwin Hotels

Doubletree by Hilton Esplanade

Located in a prime position close to the waterfront, the Doubletree by Hilton Esplanade offers comfortable and well appointed rooms, a large outdoor pool and friendly, relaxed service. Just a short stroll from all of the attractions of the city, the restaurants of Mitchell Street and art galleries.

Hilton Darwin

Overlooking Darwin Harbour, Hilton Darwin offers fabulous Esplanade views and an ideal location in the heart of the city. Enjoy contemporary features, great location and a welcoming service every time you stay. The elegant rooms and suites are loaded with thoughtful amenities and many have stunning Harbour views. We also offers Mitchell’s Grill restaurant with innovative Australian cuisine, high-floor outdoor pool, gym, flexible meeting space and more.

Darwin Central Hotel

The Darwin Central Hotel is located on a prime position in the heart of Darwin’s Central Business District on the corner of Smith and Knuckey Streets, opposite the Smith Street Shopping Mall.

The hotel enjoys a very stylish theme with artwork and furnishings throughout the hotel, making every floor a walk through gallery. The hotel has been decorated with a diverse selection of lounges and artworks with each piece individually selected to create the boutique feel with contemporary class and style. The hotel is owned by a local Darwin Company and is proud to be a long standing Northern Territory Business.

Adina Apartment Hotel

Adina Apartment Hotel Darwin Waterfront is located in the heart of the Darwin Waterfront precinct with close proximity to the CBD and overlooking the Darwin Waterfront Recreational Lagoon and manmade Wave Lagoon.

Adina is the perfect choice for discerning travellers with central locations across Australia, New Zealand and Europe. Offering a range of spacious accommodation for guests including: studios, one, two and three bedroom apartments.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

Comprehensive Travel Insurance is strongly recommended for all travellers as protection against any unforeseen events that may necessitate the cancellation or interruption of your holiday and should be purchased at the same time as you purchase your cruise. It should also include emergency evacuation and repatriation cover.

SureSave, is an Australian company who specialise in travel insurance designed for travellers. SureSave provides world assistance through a customer support team, a claims team and an in-house 24/7 Emergency Assistance division. Underwritten by Lloyds of London, you get peace of mind knowing your security is guaranteed. When you need help, you’ll get it in a familiar accent from someone who understands and is there to help.

Please note: SureSave Travel Insurance policies may only be purchased by Australian residents. For international travellers, please discuss your policy requirements with your local insurance provider.